Blindsided - Chapter 16
“Don’t turn here. Keep straight,” Allison blurted as Erica drove.
Erica frowned and glanced at her. “Why? The bar is on that street.”
“Because we’re not going to the bar.”
“Why would I keep driving when…?” Erica’s voice hitched and a cold chill ran down her spine when she saw the gun in Allison’s hand. “Wh-wh-what are you doing?” Her breaths came in short spurts as she gripped the steering wheel tighter.
“I’m sorry, Erica, but Hudson has left me no other choice.”
Erica’s heart thudded against her ribs. “Hudson? Wh-what does he have to do with this?” Her voice trembled as she split her attention between the road and Allison. “And how do you know him?”
“So he’s never even mentioned me?” Allison snarled. The anger in her tone was undeniable.
“Why would he? What is this about?”
Erica stiffened when Allison waved the gun. “Stop talking and drive!”
“But…”
Allison jammed the weapon into Erica’s ribs. “I said shut up and drive!”
Oh, my god. Oh, my god. Oh, my god.
Fear knotted inside of Erica as her gaze darted back and forth out the windshield. She had to do something. But what? She could jerk the steering wheel and throw Allison off balance, but the gun might go off. Besides, if she caused an accident, others could get hurt.
“At least…tell me what this is about,” she squeaked out and blinked back tears. “That’s the least you can do, since you kidnapped me. You’re willing to lose everything and ruin your whole life…and for what? What do you want from—?”
“If you don’t stop talking, I’m going to shoot you right here and right now. I have nothing to lose.”
“But—”
“Be quiet! I have no one, okay? I have nothing,” Allison screamed. “My parents are dead! Killed by some asshole who thought it was okay to drive with a blood-alcohol level of point-two. And Hudson…” Her voice cracked. “I love him. We’re supposed to be together, but you took him from me! At first, I wanted to see what he saw in you, and I still don’t know. Why you? Why’d he pick you? I’m just as smart, hard-working and as pretty as you. But he asked you to marry him! I’ve waited forever for him to say, ‘Ally, will you marry me?’”
Erica’s heart thudded. Hudson had mentioned an ex that he’d grown up with but… Ally, as in Allison, she thought to herself as dread seeped into her body. “I didn’t—didn’t know. You have to believe me. Please, don’t do whatever you’re planning. I didn’t know.”
The gun was unsteady in Allison’s trembling hands. “Drive,” she snapped.
Panic clawed through Erica’s body. If she didn’t think of something quick, there was no telling what this crazy woman would do.